Makueni County seeks health workers for 37 new clinics

Makueni county is seeking health workers for its 37 new clinics that will offer free medical services.

The county has completed and opened some of health centres built by the Constituency Development Funds (CDF).

“We have managed to open 37 health centres in the eight months which were left incomplete and we are hoping to meet the target of 56 centres by the end of the year. We will also staff all these centres,” said the Makueni committee member for health, Andrew Mulwa.

Mr Mulwa said that the health centres will have a medical officer, a nurse and a laboratory that will ensure everyone is tested before treatment.

The hospitals will also have electricity and water and members of the public will enjoy free health care services and drugs.

“Nobody should pay for treatment in any government health care facility or dispensary. Anyone caught doing so will face the law,’’ he said while opening Ngiluni dispensary in Kee Ward.

The county had set aside Sh200 million for buying medicines this financial year and has already purchased drugs worth Sh64 million, said Mr Mulwa.

Mr Mulwa said most health centres in the county are dilapidated, singling out Matiliku Hospital which he says is being mismanaged. He said the hospital is managed by doctors who spend most of their time in private clinics, neglecting their roles in the government-run facility.

“We will have the clinics run by these doctors inspected and closed down since they have been neglecting their mandate in the hospital,” said Mr Mulwa.

“Those involved in mismanagement of the hospital will also face disciplinary action.’’

The opening of the new hospitals is set to herald staff transfers from poorly-run clinics and attract health workers from other counties.